The Fortress of Königstein: Courtyard with the Magdalenenburg
between 1756 and 1758 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This large-scale veduta depicts the inner courtyard of the Königstein Fortress, capturing the architectural details of the Magdalenenburg building with precise lighting. The painting is part of a series commissioned by Augustus III of Poland to document the formidable Saxon fortress.
Did you know?
Bernardo Bellotto was the nephew and pupil of the famous Venetian painter Canaletto, and he often signed his works with his uncle's name to boost sales. This painting is part of a magnificent cycle of works documenting the fortress; ironically, these paintings were so precise that they were used by military strategists in later conflicts to assess the structure's layout.
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The Fortress of Königstein: Courtyard with the Magdalenenburg
Bernardo Bellotto, between 1756 and 1758
